There are many elements that play a role in the treatment of depression. Management of symptoms depends on the severity of depression and the needs of the patient. People may benefit from some or all factors involved in treating depression. Doctors work closely with patients to help achieve the goals of overcoming depression and living a normal life.
Identification
Primary care doctors may prescribe medicine to relieve depression symptoms for some patients or they may refer patients to mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, who specialize in diagnosing and treating depression. Often, talk therapy with a counselor, or psychotherapy, along with medication provides effective treatment for patients, MayoClinic.com explains. Other elements involve patients working on ways to improve their condition. Some people require closely monitored treatment.
Behavior
Psychotherapy usually begins with educating patients on the thinking patterns that contribute to depression, according to Psych Central. Faulty or negative thinking can lead to changes in moods or result in overwhelming sadness. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, a common treatment, helps patients understand behaviors associated with depression. They learn to make note of their thoughts throughout the day with the aim of using positive thinking to improve moods.
Medication
Physicians and mental health professionals can prescribe medication. Psychiatrists may prescribe medication along with therapy. Antidepressants most commonly prescribed include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, which help improve moods for many patients. The drugs may affect levels of brain chemicals, but research continues on the reasons the medications help moods. Doctors may prescribe other antidepressants as well until finding the right medication for the patient. Antidepressants may take up to several weeks to work, making patience an important factor in treatment.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle changes help people during or after treatment. Regular exercise may help to boost serotonin, endorphins and other brain chemicals to help moods, Helpguide.org states. Doctors may also recommend good nutrition, getting enough sleep and stress reduction, which may include relaxation techniques. A strong social support network, involving family or friends, helps reduce the risk of depression.
Medical Options
Patients with severe depression require hospitalization. A medical staff closely watches the patient while providing support and counseling. Treatment programs may include inpatient or outpatient hospitalization, depending on the patient's condition. Severe depression may require electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT, in cases when medication does not work or a risk of suicide exists. The therapy, in which electrical currents pass through the brain, often provides immediate relief for depression, but it is not completely clear how it works, MayoClinic.com notes. Side effects may include temporary confusion and memory loss.
